Newborn Horse Foal Care
Mare Pregnancy Duration
Horse pregnancies typically span about 342 days, with colt pregnancies lasting slightly longer than those of fillies. Foals delivered before day 320 are considered premature and may face health issues, while gestation beyond 360 days can lead to problems due to prolonged womb time.
Signs of an impending birth include the mare's udder filling with milk two to four weeks before foaling and the secretion of small amounts of colostrum one to four days before labor.
Preparation for Birth
Owners should collaborate with their equine widwife (someone who has attended many births and has the knowledge to help you get that live, healthy foal) or veterinarian to create a detailed birthing plan. Ensure a clean, safe, and quiet space for the birth, as mares typically foal at night, seeking safety from potential predators.
Monitoring during pregnancy is crucial, and owners, especially those new to foaling, unable to monitor around the clock, or with high-risk pregnancies, are advised against home foaling.
Foaling Space and Delivery
Ensure a minimum stall size of 14X14 feet with good straw bedding, as it's preferable to wood shavings. Keep a detailed record of the birthing time, divided into three stages:
Stage one involves initial contractions lasting between 30 minutes and six hours.
Stage two is the rupture of the water bag, indicating the foal's imminent arrival within 20 to 30 minutes.
Stage three involves the passage of the placenta, crucial within three hours to avoid complications.
Problems during Labor
Issues during foaling include failure to progress from stage one to stage two, prolonged stage two, malposition, or the appearance of a 'red bag,' indicating a premature rupture of the water bag. Immediate intervention is required in such cases to prevent complications.
Post-Birth Care
After birth, remove the birth sac covering the foal's head within a minute. Monitor breathing (60-80 breaths per minute) and heartbeat. Resuscitate if needed, ventilate, and perform chest compressions if the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute.
Assessing the New Foal
Owners must assess the newborn foal's behavior within the first hours. Follow the "one, two, three" rule for standing, nursing, and passing meconium. Any deviation from normal behavior requires prompt attention.
Nursing
Observing nursing is crucial for the foal's health. Ensure proper latching, sucking, and swallowing. Check the mare's udder post-nursing and monitor the foal's defecation for signs of impaction.
Transfer of Immunity
During the first 6-12 weeks, foals rely on colostrum for immunity. Check colostrum quality using a refractometer and confirm the foal's access to it within the first hours. Vet assessment of immunoglobin antibodies is vital within 24 hours.
Mothering Behavior
Recognize abnormal mothering behaviors and ensure the foal nurses regularly. Call a veterinarian for any abnormal behavior, unassisted foaling, or a check-up within the first 12-24 hours.
In the Hospital
Certain complications may require hospitalization, necessitating intensive care with various medical interventions. Prevention and early intervention are emphasized from pregnancy through the post-birth period to ensure foal health and success.
For more information about mare management and our stallion services, please contact Oak Branch Horse Farms by clicking here or calling Kate May at 706-536-2533.